a new dawn begins.

it's just another extremely average day aboard this giant ship. the markets have just opened and the morning dew is still fresh, but the young man crossing the street has never seen such a sight. before he manages to notice all the differences between the actual city and its descriptions in books, he is immersed in savoring the warmth of the sun on the back of his neck.

it is his first time seeing his own body clearly. this body belongs to him. it belongs to this current name.

when he arrives at the port, the escorting soldier removes the last of his shackles. he walks forward without looking back. he can feel, ever so faintly, several pairs of eyes gazing at him from within the city. eyes filled with hatred.

it isn't until the spaceship takes off that he turns his head and takes one final look at this place. it really is a magnificent and grand spaceship — just like the books say.

he only glances at it once, then turns his head away to where the stars shimmer dimly and an uncertain future lies.

he looks out in silence.

— character story, part i